TV presenter Charlie Webster has returned to the UK, almost a fortnight after being brought out of a medically-induced coma in Rio de Janeiro.
The former Sky Sports host contracted a rare strain of malaria while completing a 300-mile charity cycle ride to the city, for the Olympic Games.
She has now been taken to St James’s Hospital in Leeds, where she is in a serious but stable condition (via the BBC).
A statement from Charlie has been shared by her team on Twitter.
It reads: “I’m so grateful to the staff at Copa D’Or hospital in Rio for the care I received, they saved my life.
“The last few weeks have been hell, I’m just so grateful to be here. I have the most wonderful family and friends supporting me and the well wishes from the public has been incredible.
“I’m happy to be home and to continue my recovery in the UK.”
The presenter was first taken ill during the Olympics Opening Ceremony, one day after completing the marathon cycle ride.
She was then put into a medically-induced coma, before being brought out of it two weeks later.
Speaking at the time, a rep for Charlie told the Huffington Post UK that her breathing was still being supported by a respirator and she also remained on dialysis as her kidneys were not responding to treatment.
